Sustainability resource management system

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a sustainability resource management system includes a sustainability status unit configured to generate a virtual display including one or more instances of a predicted sustainability status associated with a utilization of at least one resource and an enticement unit configured to activate one or more appraisals associated with the resource utilization.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an embodiment, a sustainability resource management system includes asustainability status unit configured to generate a virtual displayincluding one or more instances of a predicted sustainability statusassociated with a utilization of at least one resource and an enticementunit configured to activate one or more appraisals associated with theresource utilization.

In an aspect, a resource curation unit may be configured to reduceconsumption of one or more resources. In another aspect, the enticementunit may include a plaudit unit configured to generate one or morebounties based on positive appraisal from the enticement unit. Inanother aspect, the enticement unit may include an ecological unitconfigured to accumulate kudos when the sustainability unit detectsbehavior reducing the utilization of the at least one resource. In anaspect, the sustainability status unit may be configured to illuminate alighted display based at least in part on a current status of theutilization of at least one resource. In another aspect, thesustainability status unit may include at least one sensor configured tosense one or more characteristics of water proximate a water collectiondevice and a processor in communication with the sensor for processingsignals from the sensor and predicting a sustainability status of atleast one resource associated with the use of the water. In one aspect,a light source may be proximate the water collection device. The lightsource may be in communication with the processor, where the processormay be configured to illuminate the light source a specific color basedat least in part on the predicted sustainability status. In one aspect,the light source may have a first color for a first predictedsustainability status and a second color for a second predictedsustainability status. In one aspect, the processor may be furtherconfigured to generate a current status associated with the utilizationof at least one resource and display, in real-time, the current statuson the virtual display. In another aspect, the processor may beconfigured to analyze consumption of the at least one resource, displayactions to reduce the utilization of the at least one resource, andprovide a predicted status if the displayed actions are taken.

In an embodiment, a sustainability resource management system isdescribed. The sustainability resource management system includes asustainability status unit configured to generate a virtual displayincluding one or more instances of a predicted sustainability statusassociated with a utilization of at least one resource and illuminate alighted display based at least in part on a current status of theutilization of at least one resource. An enticement unit is configuredto activate one or more appraisals associated with the resourceutilization and a resource curation unit is configured to reduceconsumption of one or more resources.

In an aspect, the resource curation unit further includes at least onefilter system configured to cleanse water to reduce the consumption ofat least one resource within the system. The resource curation unit mayfurther includes at least one diversion system configured to divertwater from a water collection device to the at least one filter system.A plaudit unit may be configured to generate one or more bounties basedon positive appraisal from the enticement unit. An ecological unit maybe configured to accumulate kudos when the sustainability unit detectsbehavior reducing the utilization of the at least one resource. At leastone sensor may be configured to sense one or more characteristics ofwater proximate a water collection device. A processor may be incommunication with the sensor for processing signals from the sensor andpredicting a sustainability status of at least one resource associatedwith the use of the water. The method may include generating one or morebounties based on positive appraisal associated with the predictedsustainability status. The method may also include illuminating alighted display based at least in part on a current status of theutilization of at least one resource. The method may detect behaviorreducing the utilization of the at least one resource and accumulatekudos when behavior reducing the utilization of the at least oneresource is detected. The method may include providing steps to the userto reduce the usage of at least one of water and energy, determining thechange in at least one of water and energy usage as a result of theprovided steps, and providing kudos to the user for following theprovided steps to reduce at least one of water and energy usage. Themethod may include tracking at least one of water and energy usage,determining a change in at least one of water and energy usage, andforecasting a predicted sustainability status based at least in part onthe determining.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and advantages of the inventive technology willbecome more readily appreciated as the same become better understood byreference to the following detailed description, when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary backwash station inaccordance with the inventive technology;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary backwash station inaccordance with the inventive technology;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary sustainability resourcemanagement system in accordance with the inventive technology;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for a method of cleaning a client's hair inaccordance with the inventive technology;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram for a method of detecting clean water inaccordance with the inventive technology;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for a method of detecting clean water inaccordance with the inventive technology;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for a method of detecting clean water inaccordance with the inventive technology;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary water tracker inaccordance with the inventive technology; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary resource curation unit inaccordance with the inventive technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, client's receive numerous treatments at a salon requiring theuse of a backwash station. These treatments can include anything from awash and condition of hair, to scalp treatments, to color orconditioning treatments, to perms or straightening solutions, and thelike. Salon personnel typically rinse and clean treatments from client'shair in a backwash station until the water runs clear or suds stopappearing in the rinse water. However, clear water does not alwaysindicate cleanliness and completion of a rinse or treatment. In somesituations, the treatment is clear, or it does not produce suds or foamwhen rinsed. In some situations, personnel may over rinse using anexcessive amount of water. Excessive rinsing wastes time when thepersonnel spend unrequired time rinsing a client.

Additionally, the water temperature at the backwash station is notalways precise. the temperature of the water can vary based on the salonpersonnel preferences, the fixture at the sink, and the client'spreferences. This can lead to use of overheated water necessary forcomfort or treatment. Over time, this water use can accumulate in theform of water waste and energy waste.

Briefly described, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, asustainability resource management system is coupled to a sink, forexample, proximate a drain to analyze water exhaust from a backwashsystem, among other characteristics. In operation, a hairdresserutilizes the backwash station to rinse treatments from a client's hairor to cleanse the client's hair, or otherwise treat the client's scalp.A sustainability resource management system is in-line with the sink'sexhaust system and is configured to analyze the water passing throughthe drain to determine several characteristics of the water and/or thesalon as a whole. In one embodiment, the sustainability resourcemanagement system analyzes the water exiting the sink and alerts thehairdresser when water free of chemicals or treatments is passingtherethrough. As a result, the hairdresser is reassured that theclient's hair or scalp is clean and can cease rinsing or cleaning theclient's hair and continue to the next step, either a next treatment orcompleting the process at the backwash station.

In some embodiments, a sustainability status unit can be positioned inthe drain or water exhaust of a sink to track water characteristics inreal time. In some embodiments, the sustainability status unit isconfigured to detect water characteristics such as water flow andtemperature, conductivity, turbidity, pH, and the like. For example,various sensors may be proximate the sustainability status unit thatgather data on the waste water as it exits the sink. This data may beanalyzed to determine one or more characteristics of the water.

In some embodiments, the sustainability status unit may be configured toindicate to personnel when wastewater is clean, such as at the end of arinsing cycle. In that regard, the sustainability status unit mayinclude a visual indicator such as a light, a screen, or, in someembodiments, it may include an audible indicator such as a tone oralarm. In some embodiments, the water tracker may connect to a personaldevice and provide a push notification such as an alert or a vibration.In further embodiments, the sustainability status unit may include asuitable fixture that connects to the faucet and is configured toremotely shut off the water when the wastewater is clean.

In some embodiments, the water characteristics detected by the watertracker may be transmitted to a learning device on a remote computingdevice or server. The collection of water data may be mined to determinea series of analytical water characteristics. For example, the learningdevice may utilize a machine learning algorithm to determine waterconsumption, water saved, energy saved, chemical compounds present, atype of routine used, and the like. The data may provide information tothe user on how to increase efficient salon behavior to improve salonsustainability. In some embodiments, the data may be used to determineand categorize products as sustainable. For example, the data may detectthe product being used and determine a rinsing time for the product. Theoverall rinsing time combined with other product information may providedetailed information on which products provide the best results both interms of quality and sustainability.

In some embodiments, the various detected water characteristics may beused to provide a sustainability rating for each salon or group ofsalons. The sustainability rating might be a weighted rating of thewater characteristics. The water data and the sustainability may providea benchmark for each salon and generate a list of potential improvementsfor efficiency. In some embodiments, the salon may have a dashboard thatmanages and trades sustainability credits. The dashboard may comprise anapplication on a tablet, a physical display, or a virtual display. Insome embodiments, the salon may post their sustainability goals,ratings, and good behavior accolades on the dashboard. In someembodiments, the salon may be equipped with a resource curation unit toclean wastewater. Filtering water from the backwash drain may allow asalon to reuse at least a portion of the wastewater and reduce overallsalon water usage. Additionally, the recycled water may have a raisedtemperature and therefore not require as much energy to reach anacceptable client temperature. Additionally, recycling clean waterenables the salon to reduce its water waste and reduce water cost.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a salon washing system 1100 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the inventive technology. Insome embodiments, the washing station 1000 includes a backwash station102 with a sink 104, a water inlet or a faucet 106, a chair 108, and adrain 110. During normal operation, personnel wash or otherwise treat aclient's hair in the sink 104. The personnel use water from the faucet106 to wet, rinse, or otherwise treat the hair or the scalp. The sink104, which can be any type of basin, captures the water and any otherchemicals or treatments and empties into the drain 110. Duringtraditional operating conditions, the wastewater empties into the sewageline 116.

In some embodiments, a sustainability resource management system 112 mayinclude a sustainability status unit 114 positioned in the drain line116. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the drain line 116may be fitted with the sustainability status unit 114. In otherembodiments, the sustainability status unit 114 may plug into the drainline 116 by threading into a drain 110 and connecting to the sewage line116. The location of the sustainability status unit 114 in the drainline 116 may enable the sustainability status unit 114 to analyzewastewater exiting the sink 104.

For example, in some embodiments, the sustainability status unit 114 maybe equipped with one or more sensors to detect water characteristics.The sustainability status unit 114 may analyze the detected watercharacteristics to determine a quality of the water. For example, thesustainability status unit 114 may include any combination of athermometer, conductivity sensor, nephelometer, turbidimeter, turbiditysensor, pH meter, flow meter, and the like. In some embodiments, thesesensors may measure water flow, water temperature, conductivity,turbidity, pH of the water, chemical composition of the water, and thelike. These characteristics, either individually or in some combinationthereof, may be indicative of the cleanliness of the water.

For example, the conductivity of the water is a measurement of thewater's ability to pass electrical flow. This electrical ability isdirectly related to the makeup of the water, precisely, the totalconcentration of ions in the water. A higher concentration of ions inthe water will result in a higher conductivity reading of the water. Theconductive ions come from dissolved salts and inorganic materials suchas alkalis, chlorides, sulfides, and carbonate compounds that can all befound in various hair treatment compositions. However, totalconductivity cannot be measured in isolation. The conductivity of thewater is related to the temperature of the water. As the temperature ofthe water increases, so will the temperature of the molecules or ions inthe water. This will increase the conductivity of the water. Therefore,the overall cleanliness of the water may be defined as a combination ofthe conductivity reading and the temperature of the water.

In some embodiments, the turbidity of the water is measured using anephelometer or a turbidimeter. Turbidity is typically measured inNephelometric Turbity Units (“NTU”). Turbidity measures the cloudiness,or opaqueness of water which is indicative of suspended particles in thewater. The sensors measure turbidity by directing a beam of lightpassing through the water and measuring the intensity of light scatteredat 90 degrees from the beam of light. The higher the turbidity rating,the more sediment and particulates are suspended in the water. Thesuspended particles scatter the light, increasing the turbidity rating.In some embodiments, the turbidity rating can estimate a Total SuspendedSolids (“TTS”) concentration of the water. Therefore, the overallcleanliness of the water may also be defined by the turbidity rating.

In some embodiments, the pH of the water is measured to determine theactivity of the hydrogen ion (H+) present in the water. Generally, waterwith a low pH reading, under seven (7), is considered acidic and waterwith a high pH reading, over seven (7), is considered basic. Standardtap water pH readings can range from approximately 6.5 to 8.5 on the pHscale. Shampoos and conditioners tend to run more acidic, ranging from3-6 on the pH scale. Other products such as straighteners and hair dyemay have a pH ranging from 8 to 10 for straightening products. Theoverall pH reading of the water may indicate a presence of one or moreof these products in the water and therefore the overall cleanliness ofthe water.

In some embodiments, the water flow is measured with a flow meter or aflow sensor. The flow meter may determine flow measured as the mass flowor the total volume of flow. For some water characteristics, the waterflow may calculate into the overall clarity of the water. For example,fast flowing water may affect the turbidity rating and may need tofactor into an overall turbidity reading. Water flow may also beindicative of the amount of water the personnel is using. In someembodiments, the personnel may be using too low or too high of waterflow. The water flow may contribute to the either the speed with whichthe product is rinsed or the amount of water that is wasted.

In some embodiments, the sustainability resource management system 112,the sustainability status unit 114, or both may include data transfercapabilities. For example, the sustainability resource management system112, the sustainability status unit 114, or both may connect to one ormore remote computers 118 via one or more communication links 120. Theremote computers 118 may be local or may be computers, servers, databanks, some combination thereof, or the like at a remote location. Thesustainability resource management system 112, the sustainability statusunit 114, or both may communicate locally or remotely with the remotecomputers 118 to transfer water characteristics and water usage dataassociated with the salon.

In some embodiments, the sustainability status unit 114 may alert thepersonnel when the water characteristics meet a predetermined threshold.This may indicate the water is clean, or free of any products thepersonnel may be applying to the client's hair. While some products,such as shampoos, may create a sudsy residue, other products may leaveno residue. The clean water alert may enable the personnel toconfidently determine the product is rinsed from the client's hair.

In some embodiments, the sustainability status unit 114 may have anelement configured to indicate a status of the water. For example, adrain alert 122 may be proximate the drain of the sink 104 and indicateto the personnel when the water is clean. The drain alert 122 may be avisual alert which may change colors depending on the cleanliness of thewaste water. For example, a green indicator light may indicate cleanwater and a red indicator light may indicate dirty water. In otherembodiments, the washing station 1100 may be equipped with a screen ableto display text messages to the personnel indicating the cleanliness ofthe water. In still further embodiments, the sustainability resourcemanagement system 112, the sustainability status unit 114, or both mayconnect to a smart device belonging to the personnel. In alternativeembodiments, the alert may include an audible component in lieu of or inaddition to the visual indicator. The tone of the audible component mayindicate when the water has reached a desirable cleanliness reading.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a washing system 1102 formedin accordance with exemplary aspects of the inventive technology. Thewashing system 1102 has components that are the same or substantiallysimilar to the washing system 1100 described above with respect toFIG. 1. Accordingly, for ease of reference, similar parts are labeledwith the same part number, except with a prime (′).

As shown in FIG. 2, the washing system 1102 differs from the washingsystem 1100 described above in that the sustainability resourcemanagement system 112′ is additionally equipped with a resource curationunit 200. For example, in some embodiments, the drain 110′ of thebackwash station 102′ is diverted partially or entirely into theresource curation unit 200. The resource curation unit 200 may have oneor more filters to capture the particles and other items suspended inthe water that are remnants from the treatments applied to the client'shair. In some embodiments, the resource curation unit 200 may havespecific filters for the different chemicals and compounds based on sizeand other characteristics.

In some embodiments, the resource curation unit 200 may be connected tomultiple drain lines 116′ when multiple backwash stations 102′ arepresent. The resource curation unit 200 may trigger a recycling sequencebased at least in part on water quality feedback from the individualwashing stations 102′. For example, each sustainability status unit 114′may be equipped with a communications module. The communications moduleof the sustainability status unit 114′ may link to a communicationsmodule in the resource curation unit 200. The resource curation unit 200may activate a recycling sequence based at least in part on severalthresholds of water quality communicated to the resource curation unit200 from the sustainability status unit 114′. In other embodiments, theresource curation unit 200 may always recycle any water running throughthe drain line 116′.

In some embodiments, the resource curation unit 200 may also cleanand/or purify wastewater for use in the backwash system 102′. Forexample, the resource curation unit 200 may be equipped withmycobacterial filter, a nanoparticle filter, a UV or UVC light orfilter, disinfectant, or some combination thereof. The resource curationunit 200 may measure the cleanliness of the water after treatment anddetermine if the water quality meets a cleanliness threshold to berecycled. If the water meets or exceeds the threshold, the water may berecycled by being returned to the faucet 106′ via one or more pipingsystems 206.

Combining the recycled water, which may be raised in temperature,reduces overall water usage of the salon and also may reduce energyneeded to heat cold, unrecycled water. More specifically, in someembodiments, the filtered, warm water may combine with hot and coldwater delivered to the faucet 106′. In other embodiments, general hotwater may be piped into the resource curation unit through a main hotwater line 204, and the resource curation unit 200 may combine thegeneral hot water with the filtered water. As a result, a single streamof hot water may be delivered to the faucet 106′. Cold water may also bedelivered directly to the faucet via a cold water line 208. Combiningthe filtered water with the main hot water line 204 may enable easierinstall of the system and also better control of the final temperatureat the faucet 106′.

In some embodiments, if a faucet 106′ is not turned on and water demandis stopped, the resource curation unit 200 may have a holding tank offiltered water ready to input back into the backwash station 102′ viathe faucet 106′. In other embodiments, if the faucet 102′ is not in useand the water is stopped, the resource curation unit 200 may drain thewastewater to a sewage line 210. This drainage of wastewater may occurbefore and/or after the water has been filtered and cleaned. Forexample, the resource curation unit 200 may always run all wastewaterfrom the drain lines 116′ through the filters. If there is no hot waterdemand, the resource curation unit 200, in some embodiments, may drainsome or all the filtered water into the sewage drain 210. In someembodiments, if there is no hot water demand, the resource curation unit200 may store some or all the clean, recycled water in a holding tank.If the holding tank exceeds capacity, any overflow may be released intothe sewage line 210.

In other embodiments, if there is no hot water demand, the resourcecuration unit 200 may directly route waste water into the sewage line210. In other words, the drain 110′ of the backwash station 102′ couldbe diverted entirely to the sewage line 210 when there is no hot waterdemand. Diverting the wastewater would prevent the wastewater fromrunning through the filters and cleaning process. This may extend thelife of the filters and resource curation unit 200 by preventingwastewater from being cleaned prior to being disposed.

In some embodiments, each backwash station 102′ may include aninput/output device (I/O device) 212. This I/O device 212 may enablepersonnel to enter in identifying credentials and track the waterconsumption and sustainability of the personnel. The personnel may alsobe able to input which products are being used which can correlate tothe sustainability status unit 114′ and the resource curation unit 200.For example, the sustainability status unit 114′ and/or the resourcecuration unit 200 may learn which characteristics may be detectable inthe water based on the type of products being used. This may lead theresource curation unit 200 to uniquely treat the waste water for thespecific product. In some embodiments, product information correlatedwith water characteristics and filtration requirements may develop adatabase of knowledge. The I/O device 212 may be a tablet, personalcomputer, or other I/O device with a screen and either a touchscreen orother input device such as a keyboard or audible control. The I/O device212 may be wired or wirelessly connected to resource curation unit 200,and in some embodiments, the sustainability status unit 114′.

In some embodiments, the overall sustainability of the salon may bequantified. For example, the sustainability resource management system112 may include an enticement unit 302 as discussed with reference toFIG. 3. The salon owner may input bill information (e.g., water usagebill, a wastewater bill, and an energy bill, such as gas, electric, oilor the like) into the enticement unit 302. These combined data pointsmay be formulated to a grading system to quantify how efficient andsustainable the salon is performing. In some embodiments, the enticementunit 302 may quantify on a granular level and provide an appraisalassociated with the one or more resources. In some embodiments, theenticement unit 302 may provide each personnel a rating. In someembodiments, the ratings may be gamified and salons and/or personnel maycompete with each other for the best rating. In other embodiments, theratings may equate to achievements or certifications. For example,ratings may be linked to ranking standards such as “Gold,” “Silver,”“Bronze,” and the like. In some embodiments, the water and energysavings may be measured monetarily. For example, the salon may see areduction in costs relating to a water usage bill, a wastewater bill,and/or an energy bill or the like by reusing filtered water.

FIG. 3 is an example of a sustainability resource management system 112.The sustainability resource management system 112 may be an example ofthe sustainability management system 112 described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. In some embodiments, the sustainability resourcemanagement system 112 may include the sustainability resource statusunit 114 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In still furtherembodiments, the sustainability resource management system 112 may alsoinclude a resource curation unit 200 as described with reference to FIG.2. In still further embodiments, the sustainability resource managementsystem 112 may also include an enticement unit 302. In still furtherembodiments, the sustainability resource management system 112 mayinclude an integrated verdant unit 308.

In some embodiments, the sustainability status unit 114 may generate avirtual display including one or more instances of a predictedsustainability status associated with the utilization of at least oneresource. For example, the sustainability status unit 114 may measureresource usage such as water usage, energy usage, time usage, and thelike. The sustainability status unit 114 may use empirical data gatheredfrom the salon to predict the salon's sustainability status. Thesustainability status may correlate to low water and energy usage, or areduction in resource usage as a whole. In some embodiments, thesustainability status may have a such as “Gold,” “Silver,” “Bronze,” andthe like.

In some embodiments, the resource curation unit 200 may be configured toreduce consumption of one or more resources. For example, the resourcecuration unit 200 may reduce consumption of water, energy, or both. Theresource curation unit 200 may couple to a backwash station and cleansewater otherwise headed for a sewage treatment plant. By cleansing thewater from both dirt, particulates, and sanitizing the water, thewastewater can then be reused either on the same client or on differentclients. This prevents the use of fresh water from the tap.Additionally, since the now sanitized water has already been heatedprior to use, the water should retain a relative amount of heat and notrequire as much energy to heat to preferred standards.

In still further embodiments, the sustainability resource managementsystem 112 may include an enticement unit 302. The enticement unit 302may be configured to activate one or more appraisals associated withresource utilization. For example, the enticement unit 302 may motivatethe salon, or personnel within the salon, to reduce their overallresource consumption. The goal may be to compete amongst salonpersonnel, amongst neighboring salons, to achieve a sustainabilitystatus, or some other target.

If the resource utilization of at least one resource meets or exceeds athreshold, the salon, personnel, or both may receive an appraisal. Forexample, the enticement unit 302 may include a plaudit unit 304. Theplaudit unit 304 may be configured to generate one or more bountiesbased on positive appraisal from the enticement unit 302. The bountiesmay include a status or kudos in a competition, or may include rewardssuch as free products, product samples, advertising, or any benefit orappraisal that has a perceived value to the salon and its personnel. Forexample, personnel may receive an extra vacation day, or a freetreatment, or a coffee or pizza party, or some value add.

In some embodiments, the amount of appraisals received may be connectedto an ecological unit 306. For example, the ecological unit 306 may beconfigured to accumulate kudos when the sustainability unit 114 detectsbehavior reducing the utilization of the at least one resource. Forexample, the ecological unit 306 may detect a reduction in water usagewherein the personnel is able to quickly rinse a client's hair and shutoff the water. The ecological unit 306 may also detect a lower watertemperature being used, which may result in a cost and energy savings.In some embodiments, the ecological unit 306 may detect when water isbeing recycled, which results in reduced use of multiple resources.

In some embodiments, the integrated verdant unit 308 may predict awholistic sustainability status associated with each backwash station.For example, each backwash station in a salon may have its ownsustainability rating. The integrated verdant unit 308 may thencalculate the rating of each backwash station to provide an overallsustainability status of either the salon, personnel, or each backwashstation. The integrated verdant unit may then track either each backwashstation or each personnel to determine an overall green rating of each.In some embodiments, the rating may contribute to competitions orrankings within the salon or between different salons. In someembodiments, the ratings and rankings may be displayed to encourage andelicit green behavior from clients. In some embodiments, the integratedverdant unit 308 may be a local machine or may be a part of or incommunication with a remote computer (i.e. remote computer 118). Theremote computer may be used to calculate a total predictedsustainability status for each backwash station, the salon as a whole,or both and provide the score back to the salon.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a representative method 400 of a backwash cycleis shown. The method 400 may use either backwash station 102 or 102′shown in FIG. 1 or 2. In some embodiments, the method 400 mayadditionally use the sustainability status units 114, or 114′ describedabove with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and/or the resource curation unit200 described with reference to FIG. 2.

At block 402, the method 400 may include beginning the routine at thebackwash station. The routine may include seating a client into thechair. In other embodiments, the routine may also include turning on afaucet at the backwash station. In still further embodiments, theroutine may begin when the personnel enters identifying information atthe backwash. The identifying information may uniquely identify thepersonnel, the backwash station, or in some embodiments, productinformation.

At block 404, the method 400 may include setting the water temperatureat the faucet. This may include temperature adjustments for clientpreference or as required by the products. Once the temperature is set,at block 406, the method may include wetting the client's hair. Once theclient's hair is sufficiently wet, at block 408, the method 400 mayinclude applying a product to the client's hair. The product may includeone or a combination of shampoo, conditioner, color dye, straighteningproducts, perming products, or the like. In some embodiments, the method400 may interchange the steps at block 406 and block 408. For example,some products may require the personnel to wet the client's hair beforeapplying the product, while in other instances; the product may requiredry hair. Once the treatment has been applied for the desired timeframe, at block 410, the method 400 may include rinsing product from theclient's hair. If the process is complete, at block 412, the method 400may include shutting off the faucet.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a representative method 500 of a backwash cyclewith a sustainability status unit is shown. The method 500 is shownincorporating aspects of method 400 to display how the two methodsinteract with each other. The method 500 may use backwash station 102and the sustainability resource management system 112 shown in eitherFIG. 1 or 2.

At block 502, after water has started running at block 404, the method500 may include measuring water characteristics. For example, as thewater exits the sink, the sustainability status unit may begin toanalyze various water characteristics. The water characteristics mayinclude water temperature, water flow, pH meter, turbidity,conductivity, and the like. Each measured characteristic may have athreshold. Once a threshold is exceeded for each characteristic, thewater may be deemed cleaned. In other embodiments, the sustainabilitystatus unit may measure for sudden changes in water characteristics.

Once a predetermined threshold has been satisfied, at block 504, themethod 500 may include determining that the product is fully rinsed. Forexample, once a product has been rinsed out, the water characteristicsmay suddenly change. This may indicate the product is fully rinsed.

When a sudden change is detected, either from clean to dirty or dirty toclean, at block 506, the personnel may be notified. In some embodiments,an indicator light may illuminate. The indicator light may be proximatethe sink such as near the drain, faucet, or other visible location. Infurther embodiments, an audible alarm may alternatively or additionallyalert the personnel. In still further embodiments, the sustainabilitystatus unit may connect to a mobile device and alert the mobile device.

At block 411, the method 400 may include noticing the alert. Forexample, the personnel may notice an alert indicating water cleanliness.The alert may indicate a sudden change in water cleanliness or that thewastewater is free of contaminants. Noticing the alert may trigger thepersonnel to continue to block 412, where the method 400 includesturning off the faucet.

Once the method 500 is used to begin measuring water characteristics, atblock 502, the method 500 may include transmitting the watercharacteristic data to a remote device at block 508. The remote devicemay be a local computer, a remote computer, server, or the like. Themethod 500 may include continuously or intermittently transmitting watercharacteristic data.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a representative method 600 of a backwash cyclewith a resource curation unit is shown. The method 600 is shownincorporating aspects of method 400 to display how various steps of thetwo methods 400, 600 may be interdependent on each other. The method 600may use backwash station 102′ and the resource curation unit 200described with reference to FIG. 2.

At block 602, the method 600 may include filtering the water coming fromthe backwash drain. For example, a microfilter, nanofilter, or both maybe positioned in a resource curation unit to clean the backwash water.The method 600 may also include treating the backwash water with a UVlamp to kill any bacteria which may be present in the water.

At block 604, the method 600 may include reheating lukewarm filteredwater from the backwash system. In some embodiments, the water may beheated by a heating element in the resource curation unit. In anotherembodiment, the water may be heated by combining it with hot water toreach a desired temperature.

At block 606, the method 600 may include reinjecting the water into thehot water plumbing of the washing system. For example, the resourcecuration unit may couple to the hot water inlet for the faucet. In someembodiments, the resource curation unit may couple to the hot waterinlet line that provides hot water to a bank of backwash stations. Inother embodiments, the resource curation unit may couple to individualbackwash stations.

The method shown and described with respect to FIG. 6 may be combinedwith the method shown and described with respect to FIG. 5.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a representative method 700 of analyzing watercharacteristics is shown. The method 700 may use the backwash station102 or 102′ described above with reference to FIG. 1 or 2.

At block 702, the method 700 may include receiving the data from thesustainability status unit and, in some embodiments, the resourcecuration unit. The data may include salon information and watercharacteristic data detected by the sustainability status unit. The datamay also include recycling water statistics and energy savinginformation from the resource curation unit. In some embodiments, themethod 700 may also include receiving energy and water usage data fromthe salon. Such data may include information such as an amount of waterconsumed within a specific time frame, energy information related toheating the water, etc. For example, the energy information may beelectric, gas, or oil or another source depending on the type of hotwater installed at the salon. In some embodiments, the method 700 mayalso receive personnel identification information coupled to waterstatistics. In further embodiments, the method 700 may include receivingproduct information.

At block 704, the method 700 may include analyzing the data. Analyzingthe data may include tracking the water characteristics to gather moreinformation on how various products react with the water or affect thewater. In some embodiments, the data may be analyzed to determine andtrack one or more of: water consumption, water saved, energy saved, typeof routine, chemical compounds, sustainability rating, and salonbenchmarks. In some embodiments, the benchmarks may be determined usingthe sustainability status unit system but without alerting thepersonnel. For example, the sustainability status unit may track watercharacteristics for a predetermined sampling period. This may provide abase level understanding of the water usage at washing stations and whatroutines are generating higher water waste.

At block 706, the method 700 may include providing data analytics. Thedata analytics may be provided to salon personnel to track historicalusage and savings. This may include baseline information before a watertracking and resource curation unit was installed to provide a beforeand after look at how the products have increased the sustainability ofthe salon and reduced waste. This may also correlate to a cost savingsthe salons can realize. In some embodiments, providing the dataanalytics may include providing sustainability certifications. Thesustainability certifications may include rankings, such as gold,silver, and bronze. This may be information a salon wishes to display tocommunicate its dedication to sustainability and attract environmentallyconscious clientele.

In further embodiments, the data analytics may also be coupled to theenticement unit, the integrated verdant unit, or both. The dataanalytics may predict and calculate one or more appraisals or kudosassociated with a reduced consumption of at least one resource. The dataanalytics may track empirical data to continue to measure improvement orsustained ecologically friendly practices. The number of appraisals,bounties, kudos, or other benefits may increase the longer a salonachieves thresholds associated with environmentally friendly practices.

In some embodiments, the data analytics may also include comparisonswith other salons. The comparisons may be rationalized to provide adirect comparison to other salons, including the number of personnel ateach salon, the number of clients seen and treated at each salon, thetype of treatments provided, and the like. This may enable larger,busier salons to compare their practices to smaller or more slow-pacedsalons without detrimenting either for their size or capacity.

FIG. 8 is a diagram displaying various functional components of anexemplary sustainability status unit for use with a backwash system 102,102′, or similar. The sustainability status unit may be an example ofthe sustainability status unit 112 or 112′ described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. However, for ease of reference, the sustainability statusunit will be labeled with reference numeral 114.

The components of the sustainability status unit 114 shown in FIG. 8 maybe contained within a single unit or may be separated amongst two ormore units in communication with each other. In some embodiments, thesustainability status unit 114 may include a controller 802, memory 804,I/O controller 806, user interface 808, and the like. In someembodiments, the components are contained within a housing 800 orcasing.

The controller 802, memory, 804 (including software/firmware code (SW)812), input/output controller module 806, user interface module 808,transceiver module 814, and one or more antennas 816 maycommunicate—directly or indirectly—with one another (e.g., via one ormore buses 824). The transceiver module 814 may communicatebi-directionally—via the one or more antennas 816, wired links, and/orwireless links—with remote devices 118 as described previously. Thetransceiver module 814 may include a modem that may modulate packets andprovide the modulated packets to the one or more antennas 816 fortransmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one or moreantenna 816. While a single antenna 816 is shown, the sustainabilitystatus unit 114 may include several antennas 816 which may concurrentlytransmit and/or receive multiple wired and/or wireless transmissions. Insome embodiments, the sustainability status unit 114 may provide aconnection using wireless techniques, including digital cellularconnection, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) connection, digitalsatellite data connection, and/or another connection.

The controller 802 may control one or more operations of thesustainability status unit 114. The controller 802 may include of one ormore processors, implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), adigital signal processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logicdevice (PLD), or other implementation. In some embodiments, thecontroller 802 may include a single chip combined with memory controllerand a peripherals interface.

The memory 804 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.In some embodiments, the memory 804 may include bothpersistent/non-volatile and non-persistent/volatile memory components.The memory 804 may include volatile memory, non-volatile memory (NVM),for example RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or some combination thereof.The memory 804 may store computer-readable, computer executablesoftware/firmware code 812 that, when executed, may cause the controller802 to perform various functions as described herein.

In some embodiments, the memory 804 can contain, among other things, theBasic Input-Output system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware and/orsoftware operations such interactions and workings of the variouscomponents of the sustainability status unit 114, and in someembodiments, components external to the sustainability status unit 114.For example, the memory 804 may contain various modules to implement theworkings of the sustainability status unit 114 and other aspects of thepresent disclosure.

In some embodiments, the sustainability status unit 114 may include oneor more sensors 818. The one or more sensors 818 may include anycombination of a thermometer, conductivity sensor, nephelometer,turbidimeter, turbidity sensor, pH meter, flow meter, and the like. Insome embodiments, these sensors may measure water flow, watertemperature, conductivity, turbidity, pH of the water, chemicalcomposition of the water, and the like. These characteristics, eitherindividually or in some combination thereof, may be indicative of thecleanliness of the water.

The user interface 808 may coordinate communication with the personnel.For example, the user interface 808 may receive inputs from thepersonnel and may generate outputs to the user. The outputs can bevisual, sound, vibrations, lights, images, and so on. The user interfacemay include one or more individual devices such as a screen,touchscreen, a keypad, an optical finger interface, one or morespeakers, one or more microphones, one or more buttons, one or morevisual indicators, and so on.

For example, in some embodiments, the sustainability status unit 114 mayinclude an input device for personnel to input data either identifyingthe personnel, the products being used, or both. Additionally, in someembodiments, the sustainability status unit 114 may indicate to thepersonnel when the rinse cycle is complete. This may be via a lightindicating a completed cycle, through a visual screen, an audible alert,or the like.

The sustainability status unit 114 may also include components forbi-directional data communications including components for transmittingcommunications and components for receiving communications. For example,the sustainability status unit 114 may communicate bi-directionally withthe resource curation unit 200 and/or external devices 118. Thebi-directional communication may be direct or indirect.

The analytics module 820 may receive data from the one or more sensors818 regarding water characteristics. The analytics module 820 mayanalyze the data to determine when a rinse cycle is complete. Once arinse cycle is complete, the analytics module 820 may activate the userinterface 808 via the I/O controller 806 to alert the personnel that therinse cycle has been completed. The analytics module 820 may alsotransfer data to one or more remote devices for further analytics anddata tracking. In some embodiments, the analytics module 820 may alsocommunicate with a resource curation unit 200 if one is installedlocally.

In some embodiments, the sustainability status unit 114 may include apower source 822. The power source 822 may comprise a battery or batterypack, which may be rechargeable. In some instances, the power source 822may comprise a series of different batteries to ensure thesustainability status unit 114 has power. For example, the power source822 may include a series of rechargeable batteries as a prime powersource and a series of non-rechargeable batteries as a secondary source.Personnel may have the option of charging the sustainability status unit114 when the backwash station is not in use, such as when the salon isclosed. In further embodiments, the power source 822 may include an ACpower source.

FIG. 9 is a diagram displaying various functional components of anexemplary resource curation unit 200 for use with a backwash system 102′or similar. The resource curation unit 200 may be an example of theresource curation unit 200 described with reference to FIG. 2. Thecomponents shown in FIG. 9 may be contained within a single unit or maybe separated amongst two or more units in communication with each other.In some embodiments, the resource curation unit 200 may include acontroller 902, memory 904, I/O controller 906, user interface 908, andthe like. In some embodiments, the components are contained within ahousing 900 or casing.

The controller 902, memory, 904 (including software/firmware code (SW)912), input/output controller module 906, user interface module 908,transceiver module 914, and one or more antennas 916 maycommunicate—directly or indirectly—with one another (e.g., via one ormore buses 924). The transceiver module 914 may communicatebi-directionally—via the one or more antennas 916, wired links, and/orwireless links—with remote devices 118 as described previously. Thetransceiver module 914 may include a modem which may modulate packetsand provide the modulated packets to the one or more antennas 916 fortransmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one or moreantennas 916. While a single antenna 916 is shown, the resource curationunit 200 may include several antennas 916 which may concurrentlytransmit and/or receive multiple wired and/or wireless transmissions. Insome embodiments, the resource curation unit 200 may provide aconnection using wireless techniques, including digital cellularconnection, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) connection, digitalsatellite data connection, and/or another connection.

The controller 902 may control one or more operations of the resourcecuration unit 200. The controller 902 may include of one or moreprocessors, implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a digitalsignal processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logicdevice (PLD), or other implementation. In some embodiments, thecontroller 902 may include a single chip combined with memory controllerand a peripherals interface.

The memory 904 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.In some embodiments, the memory 904 may include bothpersistent/non-volatile and non-persistent/volatile memory components.The memory 904 may include volatile memory, non-volatile memory (NVM),for example RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or some combination thereof.The memory 904 may store computer-readable, computer executablesoftware/firmware code 912 that, when executed, may cause the controller902 to perform various functions as described herein.

In some embodiments, the memory 904 can contain, among other things, theBasic Input-Output system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware and/orsoftware operations such interactions and workings of the variouscomponents of the resource curation unit 200, and in some embodiments,components external to the resource curation unit 200. For example, thememory 904 may contain various modules to implement the workings of theresource curation unit 200 and other aspects of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the resource curation unit 200 may include one ormore sensors 918. The one or more sensors 918 may include anycombination of a thermometer, conductivity sensor, nephelometer,turbidimeter, turbidity sensor, pH meter, flow meter, and the like. Insome embodiments, these sensors 918 may measure water flow, watertemperature, conductivity, turbidity, pH of the water, chemicalcomposition of the water, and the like. These characteristics, eitherindividually or in some combination thereof, may be indicative of thecleanliness of the water.

In some embodiments, the resource curation unit 200 may also include oneor more filters 920. The filters 920 may include one or more filters tocapture the particles and other items suspended in the water that areremnants from the treatments applied to the client's hair. In someembodiments, the filters 920 may be specific for the different chemicalsand compounds based on size and other characteristics present in hairproducts. In some embodiments, the filters 920 may include micro filter,nanofilter, or both. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the filters 920may include of an activated carbon filter, reverse osmosis filter,alkaline/water ionizer, a UV filter, an infrared filter, or somecombination thereof.

The user interface 908 may coordinate communication with the personnel.For example, the user interface 908 may receive inputs from thepersonnel and may generate outputs to the user. The outputs can bevisual, sound, vibrations, lights, images, and so on. The user interfacemay include one or more individual devices such as a screen,touchscreen, a keypad, an optical finger interface, one or morespeakers, one or more microphones, one or more buttons, one or morevisual indicators, and so on.

For example, the personnel may have the option of requesting recycledwater or not depending upon client conditions. For example, if a clientis coming in with a potentially transmittable issue such as head lice,recycled water may not be desired. Additionally, in some embodiments,the resource curation unit 200 may output real time data to thepersonnel. The data may include estimated water and/or energy savings,alerts on the health of the resource curation unit, and saloncertifications.

The resource curation unit 200 may also include components forbi-directional data communications including components for transmittingcommunications and components for receiving communications. For example,the resource curation unit 200 may communicate bi-directionally with thesustainability status unit 114 and/or external devices 118. Thebi-directional communication may be direct or indirect.

The filtration module 922 may cause wastewater to be filtered andcleaned. In some embodiments, the filtration module 922 may divertwastewater to a drain if there is not a hot water demand. In otherembodiments, the filtration module 922 may store clean water for lateruse. The filtration module 922 may test filtered water to ensure thewater meets cleanliness standards for recycling. In some embodiments,the filtration module 922 may analyze the data to determine cost andwater savings. It may also analyze the data to determine if the filtersor other components require replacing. In some embodiments, thefiltration module 922 may alert the personnel that recycled water is inuse. In further embodiments, the filtration module 922 may also transferdata to one or more remote devices for further analytics and datatracking. In some embodiments, the filtration module 922 may alsocommunicate with a sustainability status unit 114 if one is installedlocally.

In some embodiments, the resource curation unit 200 may include a powersource 926. The power source 926 may comprise a battery or battery pack,which may be rechargeable. In some instances, the power source 926 maycomprise a series of different batteries to ensure the resource curationunit 200 has power. For example, the power source 926 may include aseries of rechargeable batteries as a prime power source and a series ofnon-rechargeable batteries as a secondary source. Personnel may have theoption of charging the power source 926 when the backwash station is notin use, such as when the salon is closed. In further embodiments, thepower source 926 may include an AC power source.

Many embodiments of the technology described above may take the form ofcomputer- or controller-executable instructions, including routinesexecuted by a programmable computer or controller. Those skilled in therelevant art will appreciate that the technology can be practiced oncomputer/controller systems other than those shown and described above.The technology can be embodied in a special-purpose computer,application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), controller or dataprocessor that is specifically programmed, configured or constructed toperform one or more of the computer-executable instructions describedabove. Of course, any logic or algorithm described herein can beimplemented in software or hardware, or a combination of software andhardware.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thedisclosure. Moreover, while various advantages and features associatedwith certain embodiments have been described above in the context ofthose embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantagesand/or features, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit suchadvantages and/or features to fall within the scope of the technology.Where methods are described, the methods may include more, fewer, orother steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order.Accordingly, the disclosure can encompass other embodiments notexpressly shown or described herein.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, lists of two or moreelements of the form, for example, “at least one of A, B, and C,” isintended to mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A,B, and C), and further includes all similar permutations when any otherquantity of elements is listed.

The present disclosure may also reference quantities and numbers. Unlessspecifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to beconsidered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities ornumbers associated with the present disclosure. Also in this regard, thepresent disclosure may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantityor number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be anynumber that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc.In an embodiment, “about,” “approximately,” etc., means plus or minus 5%of the stated value.

While several embodiments have been illustrated and described, it willbe appreciated that various changes can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the inventive technology.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A washing stationcomprising: a sink; a faucet with a water inlet; a drain; and asustainability resource management system, comprising: a sustainabilitystatus unit positioned in a drain line to analyze wastewater exiting thesink, and the sustainability status unit is configured to generate avirtual display including one or more instances of a predictedsustainability status associated with a utilization of at least oneresource selected from water usage, energy usage, and time usage; and anenticement unit including a plaudit unit which is configured to activateone or more apprisals associated with the resource utilization andgenerate one or more bounties based on positive apprisal from theenticement unit, if resource utilization of at least one resource meetsor exceeds a threshold.
 2. The washing station of claim 1, furthercomprising: a resource curation unit configured to reduce consumption ofone or more resources.
 3. The washing station of claim 1, wherein theenticement unit includes: an ecological unit configured to accumulatekudos when the sustainability unit detects behavior reducing theutilization of the at least one resource.
 4. The washing station ofclaim 1, wherein the sustainability status unit is further configured toilluminate a lighted display based at least in part on a current statusof the utilization of at least one resource.
 5. The washing station ofclaim 1, wherein the sustainability status unit further includes: atleast one sensor configured to sense one or more characteristics ofwater proximate a water collection device; and a processor incommunication with the sensor for processing signals from the sensor andpredicting a sustainability status of at least one resource associatedwith the use of the water.
 6. The washing station of claim 5, whereinthe sustainability status unit further includes: a light sourceproximate the water collection device, the light source in communicationwith the processor, wherein the processor is configured to illuminatethe light source a specific color based at least in part on thepredicted sustainability status.
 7. The washing station of claim 6,wherein the light source has a first color for a first predictedsustainability status and a second color for a second predictedsustainability status.
 8. The washing station of claim 5, wherein theprocessor is further configured to: generate a current status associatedwith the utilization of at least one resource; display, in real-time,the current status on the virtual display; analyze consumption of the atleast one resource; display actions to reduce the utilization of the atleast one resource; and provide a predicted status of an outcome of theactions.
 9. A method of managing at least one resource of the washingstation of claim 1, comprising: detecting one or more instances of autilization of the at least one resource; processing the one or moreinstances to predict a sustainability status associated with theutilization of the at least one resource; visually providing feedback toa user to achieve a desired sustainability rating based at least in parton the predicted sustainability status; activating one or more apprisalsassociated with the predicted sustainability status.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, further including: generating one or more bounties based onpositive apprisal associated with the predicted sustainability status.11. The method of claim 9, further including: detecting behaviorreducing the utilization of the at least one resource; accumulatingkudos when behavior reducing the utilization of the at least oneresource is detected.
 12. The method of claim 9, further including:tracking at least one of water and energy usage; determining a change inat least one of water and energy usage; and forecasting a predictedsustainability status based at least in part on the determining.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the method further includes: providing stepsto the user to reduce the usage of at least one of water and energy;determining the change in at least one of water and energy usage as aresult of the provided steps; providing kudos to the user for followingthe provided steps to reduce at least one of water and energy usage.